Best Cities for Digital Nomads in 2025
Credit: Andrea Leopardi
Finding the perfect city as a digital nomad in 2025 means striking a balance between affordability, strong infrastructure, and a lifestyle that keeps you inspired. The world is more remote-work-friendly than ever, with cities actively catering to location-independent professionals by offering fast internet, coworking spaces, and even digital nomad visas. But beyond just work essentials, a great nomad destination should offer something extra—whether it’s rich culture, incredible food, beautiful scenery, or an active community of like-minded remote workers.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best cities for digital nomads this year, categorized by region to help you find the perfect fit. Whether you’re looking for the laid-back beaches of Portugal, the energy of Mexico City, or the affordability of Southeast Asia, these locations all offer the essentials that make remote work not just possible, but enjoyable. From modern metropolises with every convenience to relaxed hubs where nature and culture meet, here’s where to consider setting up your base in 2025.
Europe
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon remains one of the top digital nomad destinations in Europe, balancing affordability, modern infrastructure, and a laid-back lifestyle. While costs have risen in recent years, it is still more budget-friendly than other Western European capitals. The city offers a range of coworking spaces, remote work-friendly cafes, and some of the best internet speeds in Southern Europe. The visa options for remote workers are attractive, with Portugal’s digital nomad visa making it easier for non-EU citizens to stay long-term.
Beyond work, Lisbon delivers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. The warm climate, picturesque neighborhoods like Alfama, and easy access to beaches along the Cascais coast make it an ideal destination for work-life balance. The expat and digital nomad community is thriving, with regular networking events, meetups, and an international crowd that makes settling in easy. With excellent public transport, a great food scene, and a creative energy that attracts freelancers, Lisbon is an all-around winner for remote workers.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia has emerged as one of the most attractive digital nomad cities in Spain, offering a more affordable alternative to Barcelona while maintaining a similar Mediterranean charm. With lower rent prices and a slower pace of life, it’s perfect for those who want an excellent quality of life without the chaos of a major metropolis. Wi-Fi is reliable, coworking spaces are growing, and there’s a supportive expat and nomad network. The Spanish government has also introduced a digital nomad visa, making long-term stays easier for non-EU citizens.
The lifestyle perks of Valencia are hard to beat. The city is known for its incredible food scene, including the birthplace of paella, and its mix of traditional and modern architecture. The Turia Gardens, a massive green space running through the city, is ideal for exercise and relaxation. The beaches are just minutes from the city center, making it easy to take work breaks by the sea. Compared to Barcelona, it offers a more relaxed, community-driven vibe while still providing access to Spain’s excellent transport network for travel.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest has become a top choice for digital nomads due to its affordability, strong remote work infrastructure, and exciting cultural scene. Rent and daily expenses are significantly lower than in Western Europe, making it a great base for long-term stays. The internet is fast and reliable, and coworking spaces like Impact Hub and Kaptar cater to a growing remote work community. Hungary also has favorable visa options, including residency permits that make it easier for non-EU nomads to stay legally.
Beyond work, Budapest is a dynamic city with a lot to offer. It has one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe, with ruin bars, thermal baths, and a strong music and arts culture. The city’s architecture blends historic charm with modern development, and public transport is efficient and affordable. For digital nomads who love a mix of work and adventure, Budapest delivers, with easy access to other European destinations for weekend getaways.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira stands out from other European digital nomad hubs due to its unique island lifestyle and dedicated infrastructure for remote workers. The Portuguese government has actively encouraged digital nomads by setting up the Digital Nomad Village in Ponta do Sol, which provides a structured environment with coworking spaces and networking opportunities. Internet speeds on the island are high, and the cost of living remains more affordable than mainland Portugal.
The biggest draw of Madeira is its natural beauty. The island offers breathtaking coastal views, hiking trails, and a mild year-round climate, making it an outdoor lover’s paradise. With a tight-knit digital nomad community, regular events, and an overall relaxed atmosphere, Madeira is ideal for those who want a slower, more nature-focused lifestyle while still staying connected to work. Flights to mainland Portugal and other European hubs are frequent, making travel easy despite its remote location.
Credit: Jakob Owens
Asia
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok has become a digital nomad powerhouse due to its unbeatable mix of affordability, modern infrastructure, and non-stop energy. The city offers some of the fastest internet speeds in Southeast Asia, along with a huge variety of coworking spaces and remote-work-friendly cafes. While it is a bustling metropolis, Bangkok’s affordability makes it accessible, with reasonably priced apartments, inexpensive transportation, and world-class street food. Thailand also offers easy visa options, including extensions and business visas, making long-term stays possible.
Life in Bangkok is vibrant, with endless things to do. From towering rooftop bars to serene temples, the city blends modernity with tradition in a way that few places can. Its central location in Asia also makes it an excellent base for travel, with cheap flights to major destinations like Bali, Vietnam, and Japan. Despite its fast-paced environment, Bangkok has green spaces, hidden coffee shops, and cultural hubs where nomads can take a break from city life.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai has long been a favorite among digital nomads, offering one of the best combinations of affordability, comfort, and remote work infrastructure in Asia. The cost of living is significantly lower than in Bangkok, with rent for a modern apartment often costing a fraction of what it would in Western cities. Wi-Fi is fast and widely available, and coworking spaces like Punspace and CAMP have been catering to nomads for years. The city also has a thriving community of remote workers, making it easy to connect with like-minded professionals through meetups and networking events.
Beyond work, Chiang Mai is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings. Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, the city offers easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, waterfalls, and hot springs. The food scene is another major draw, with an abundance of cheap and delicious Thai cuisine available at street stalls and local restaurants. With its blend of modern amenities, rich cultural heritage, and a welcoming expat community, Chiang Mai continues to be one of the best choices for digital nomads looking for a balance of productivity and relaxation.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is a rising star in the digital nomad world, offering a rare blend of affordability and modern urban infrastructure. The cost of living is lower than in many major cities, with relatively inexpensive housing, affordable food, and strong public transport. High-speed internet is widely available, and the city has a growing number of coworking spaces, including hotspots like Colony, WORQ, and Common Ground. Malaysia also has one of the more flexible visa policies in the region, allowing remote workers to stay for extended periods without excessive paperwork.
What sets Kuala Lumpur apart is its cultural diversity. A fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences is evident in everything from its street food to its architecture. The city is also an excellent base for exploring Southeast Asia, with one of the best-connected airports in the region offering low-cost flights to Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. The city’s walkability varies by neighborhood, but areas like Bangsar, KLCC, and Mont Kiara provide a high quality of life for remote workers. For digital nomads looking for a well-developed city with a mix of modern conveniences and cultural charm, Kuala Lumpur is a top contender.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City has been gaining momentum as one of the most exciting digital nomad destinations in Southeast Asia, thanks to its low cost of living, fast internet, and rapidly growing startup ecosystem. Rent is highly affordable, with modern apartments in central districts costing significantly less than in most Western cities. The internet is reliable, and an increasing number of coworking spaces, such as Dreamplex and The Hive, make it easy to find a productive work environment. Vietnam has also been introducing more visa options, making it easier for remote workers to stay long-term.
The energy of Ho Chi Minh City is one of its biggest draws. The city is a vibrant mix of old and new, with French colonial architecture sitting alongside sleek skyscrapers and bustling street markets. The food scene is legendary, with everything from high-end restaurants to some of the best street food in the world available at extremely low prices. While the traffic and noise can be overwhelming, many digital nomads find the city's fast-paced, entrepreneurial spirit inspiring. For those who thrive in an energetic, opportunity-filled environment, Ho Chi Minh City offers a dynamic and cost-effective base.
Credit: Carlos Aranda
Americas
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is an increasingly popular digital nomad destination, offering an affordable cost of living combined with a rich cultural scene. Rent is still reasonable compared to major U.S. cities, and coworking spaces and cafes with high-speed internet are abundant. The city's neighborhoods, especially Roma, Condesa, and Polanco, cater to remote workers with numerous laptop-friendly cafes, modern apartment rentals, and excellent walkability. Mexico has flexible visa options, including a temporary resident visa that allows remote workers to stay long-term without constant renewals.
Beyond work, Mexico City is full of history, museums, parks, and one of the best food scenes in the world. From high-end restaurants to bustling street markets, the variety of food options is unparalleled. The city's nightlife, from mezcalerías to underground music venues, provides endless entertainment. While some areas have safety concerns, nomad-friendly neighborhoods are generally safe and welcoming. With a mild year-round climate, a strong expat and local creative scene, and easy access to domestic and international travel, Mexico City is a dynamic place to base oneself as a digital nomad.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires has long been a favorite among remote workers due to its European feel, vibrant cultural scene, and highly favorable exchange rates for foreigners. Despite Argentina’s economic fluctuations, the cost of living remains low for those earning in foreign currencies. High-speed internet is available across the city, and coworking spaces like WeWork, AreaTres, and HIT Cowork are well-established. Buenos Aires also has a strong cafe culture, with historic and modern cafés serving as natural workspaces.
The city itself is rich in cultural offerings, from tango performances and world-class theater to an underground electronic music scene. Neighborhoods like Palermo and Recoleta are particularly popular with expats, offering walkable streets, green spaces, and a thriving bar and restaurant scene. While inflation can make financial planning tricky, it also means that Buenos Aires offers an extremely high quality of life for digital nomads with foreign incomes. The relaxed visa rules allow many remote workers to stay for long periods, making Buenos Aires one of the most exciting and affordable destinations in the Americas.
Credit: Nicolas Flor
Digital Nomad Destination: The Key to Finding Your Ideal Remote Work Base
Choosing the right city as a digital nomad goes beyond just finding a place with fast Wi-Fi. While strong internet, coworking spaces, and a low cost of living are essential, the best destinations also offer a quality of life that keeps you motivated and engaged. A great digital nomad city provides a mix of work-friendly infrastructure and a lifestyle that supports both productivity and well-being. That could mean access to beautiful beaches, a rich cultural scene, or a strong community of other remote workers. Visa policies also play a big role, as some cities make it easy for digital nomads to stay long-term, while others require constant border runs or complicated paperwork.
A city’s energy and social scene can make or break the experience. Some digital nomads thrive in fast-paced, vibrant environments like Mexico City or Bangkok, where there’s always something happening. Others prefer laid-back locations like Chiang Mai or Madeira, where a slower pace and proximity to nature create a more balanced lifestyle. Safety and infrastructure matter too—reliable public transport, walkability, and healthcare quality all contribute to how comfortable and sustainable a place is for remote work. And while affordability is a huge factor, it’s not just about choosing the cheapest city; it’s about finding a place where your money goes further while still offering the experiences and comforts you value most.
Ultimately, the best digital nomad cities in 2025 are the ones that offer flexibility and inspiration. A city should make it easy to focus on work while also encouraging exploration and connection. Whether that means a thriving nightlife, an incredible food scene, or the ability to take weekend trips to nearby destinations, a great nomad base supports both productivity and adventure. The key is to find a place that aligns with your personal and professional needs, allowing you to work efficiently while living a lifestyle that feels fulfilling and sustainable.
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The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. While I strive for accuracy, I cannot guarantee that all details are up-to-date. Travel regulations, visa policies, and local conditions change frequently. Please verify all travel details with official sources before making decisions.